Da Vinci Design Students Win First Place at Houston Art Car Parade
Da Vinci Design’s Fine Arts Pathway students returned from Houston with a major achievement: earning the Top Car Award (one of three First Place honors) at the Houston Art Car Parade—one of the nation’s largest celebrations of creative vehicle design. The team was also awarded $1,500 in prize recognition to be reinvested into the program, with a trophy to be delivered at a later date. As the Houston Chronicle noted, “Teens Take the Art Car Parade.” But the win is only part of a much larger story.
Over four days in Houston, students immersed themselves in art, culture, and collaboration. For many, it was their first extended travel experience. Fine Arts pathway coordinator and project lead Jason Kartez described the trip as “100% positive,” highlighting how students grew through every stage of the journey.
The experience began with the Main Street Drag, where students visited multiple Houston elementary schools alongside other Art Car teams. Thanks to a donation of Hot Wheels cars and track sets from the Mattel Children’s Foundation, Da Vinci students were able to hand them out directly to young learners across the city, bringing joy and sparking connection through shared play.
In the final build hours, the Da Vinci Design team had just 45 minutes to complete final design elements before judging. Working in sync, they added lowrider wheels onsite, bringing their vision together under pressure. The car’s concept, called "California Dream'n," explored the duality of insider and outsider perspectives in Los Angeles, anchored by a reimagined Hollywood sign. Throughout the parade, attendees stopped to engage with the design and its meaning.
See related article: Big Reveal at Da Vinci Design Exhibition Ignites Excitement for Houston Art Car Parade
During the parade, Da Vinci students in Dodgers gear engaged playfully with crowds and were featured by ABC 13 Houston, which interviewed teacher Jason Kartez and student leader Desiree Rodriguez.
Outside of the parade itself, students also had opportunities to further explore their creative interests and deepen their understanding of art and design in a different context. They visited the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, including a Frida Kahlo exhibition featuring contemporary artists such as Judy Baca, deepening their connection to art history and community practice.
One of the most meaningful moments came during a reflection circle at the end of the day, where students shared what the experience meant to them and how it shaped their perspectives on art, travel, and teamwork.
“We worked so hard on this, and seeing it come together in Houston was unreal,” one student reflected. Another shared, “I didn’t expect to feel so proud of something we built together—it really changed how I see what I can do.”
Students learned they had won first place while at the airport, leading to an eruption of celebration that has continued back on campus in El Segundo.
Jason Kartez emphasized that the win reflects the strength of the Fine Arts Pathway and the collaborative ecosystem supporting it. Every interested student was able to participate, underscoring the program’s commitment to access and real-world learning.
The project was shaped with support from industry mentors including Bryan Benedict (former Design Director at Hot Wheels); Jonathan Fidler and Joyce Mesh of Otis College of Art and Design; Rickey Polidore Jr. of the Orange Show Center for Visionary Art; Dave Kempken of Cal Poly San Luis Obispo; Dave Shuten of Car Kings; and artist Bobby Z. Rodriguez. Additional support came from Hot Wheels and Galpin Ford, whose donated 2009 Ford Taurus became the foundation of the award-winning Art Car.
This first-place win represents more than a trophy—it reflects the creativity, collaboration, and growing impact of the Da Vinci Design Fine Arts Pathway. Thank you to our industry partners, school leaders, students, and families for your unwavering support—and stay tuned for celebration details!
